Following Sundar C's exit, the makers of Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 173, backed by Kamal Haasan are continuing to search for directors to helm the project. While speculations regarding Parking filmmaker Ramkumar Balakrishnan joining the project have been doing the rounds on social media, a confirmation is yet to arrive from Raaj Kamal Films International. Now, latest reports are hinting that newcomer Sai Abhyankkar has been chosen for Thalaivar 173. If the rumours turn out to be true, it would be a coveted recognition for the composer, who is currently having a dream run in the early days of his career.

While cast and plot details are yet to be revealed, it is being reported that Sai Pallavi and Kathir are in early talks to join the team.

Previously, Ramkumar Balakrishnan announced a film with Silambarasan TR STR 49 and even completed the pooja ceremony, but due to various issues faced by the production company, the film didn't materialise. Simbu had meanwhile moved on to join Vetri Maaran's Arasan. The director is currently said to be involved in the pre-production work for Thalaivar 173. An official statement regarding the project's details is expected to be announced soon.

Sai Abhyankkar is currently basking in the fame of Dude's success, his first Tamil album. The film's tracks, along with the 'Oorum Blood' song has been the subject of praise and several memes on social media. The young composer, who made his debut in films earlier this year with the Malayalam project Balti, has several high-profile projects in his kitty including Suriya's Karuppu, Raghava Lawrence's Benz, Allu Arjun-Atlee's untitled big budget project AA22xA6 and Karthi's Marshal.